Just two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the reason of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
This is a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have piled up.
As per the data, twice all season has the team had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
